Introduction
When it comes to cloud networking, one crucial point to consider is the security of connections. A TLS certificate is the standard for secure communication over the internet, and cloud service providers have emerged to make it easier to manage digital certificates. Two of the most popular ones are AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) and Let's Encrypt.
But which one should you choose? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at both services and provide a factual comparison with numbers to help you make the best decision for your needs.
AWS Certificate Manager
ACM is a service provided by Amazon Web Services that allows users to provision, manage, and deploy SSL/TLS certificates for use with AWS services. The service aims to simplify the process of certifying your domain and allows you to use your certificates with AWS CloudFront, Elastic Beanstalk, Elastic Load Balancer (ELB), and other services.
AWS Certificate Manager's ease of use and integration with AWS services make it ideal for businesses with significant operations on Amazon's cloud. However, the service can be costly compared to Let's Encrypt, and some features are limited.
Let's Encrypt
Let's Encrypt is a non-profit certificate authority that issues free SSL/TLS certificates, creating a secure and private connection between a user's web server and their web browser. The service is open and automatic — anyone who owns a domain can use Let's Encrypt. You can also integrate this service to work with other web servers.
Let's Encrypt provides unique benefits, such as free certificates, automation, and an active social community. However, the service is limited to 90-day certificates and does not integrate with AWS or other cloud service providers.
Comparison
Let's compare the two services with relevant metrics:
| Category | AWS Certificate Manager | Let's Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Based on domain validation and certificate types | Free |
| Certificate duration | 13 months | 90 days, auto renewal |
| Integration | AWS services only | Integrates with DNS servers and most web servers |
| Certificate Authority | Amazon Trust Service | Let's Encrypt |
Conclusion
AWS Certificate Manager and Let's Encrypt are both great choices for managing SSL/TLS certificates for cloud networking purposes; it all depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for an easy AWS integration, choose AWS Certificate Manager. However, if you are looking for a free solution that is open, flexible, and community-based, consider Let's Encrypt.
Regardless of your choice, always ensure that your domain's security is a top priority and that your website or application's users are safeguarded.